Factoring Polynomials Completely

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What is factoring in mathematics?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into a product of simpler expressions, or factors, that when multiplied together give the original expression.

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression that consists of variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Front

What does it mean to factor a polynomial completely?

Back

Factoring a polynomial completely means expressing it as a product of its irreducible factors, which cannot be factored further over the set of real numbers.

Front

What is the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

The greatest common factor (GCF) is the largest factor that divides two or more numbers or expressions without leaving a remainder.

Front

How do you find the GCF of the terms in a polynomial?

Back

To find the GCF of the terms in a polynomial, identify the highest power of each variable and the largest coefficient that appears in all terms.

Front

What is the first step in factoring a polynomial?

Back

The first step in factoring a polynomial is to look for the greatest common factor (GCF) among the terms and factor it out.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

Front

What is the quadratic trinomial?

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Front

How can you factor a quadratic trinomial?

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Front

What is the factoring by grouping method?

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Factoring by grouping involves rearranging the terms of a polynomial and grouping them in pairs to factor out common factors.